Southside Elementary School
Reviewer
Anonymous reviewer
Comments
I am submitting this feedback because I am deeply concerned about the current state of safety and academics at this school. My child's experience here has been highly frustrating, and the school is failing to provide a secure, structured learning environment.First and foremost, safety and classroom environment are major issues. There is entirely too much student drama and frequent physical fights. The classrooms are incredibly loud and chaotic, to the point where teachers have to waste a massive amount of valuable instructional time just trying to get the kids to be quiet. It makes it practically impossible for students who actually want to learn to focus or absorb anything. Because of this lack of structure, the academic standards and expectations have completely bottomed out. The classes are shockingly easy to pass, but it’s because the students aren't being pushed or taught properly. Instead of active teaching, major subjects like math have been reduced to just copying notes off a whiteboard and sitting on computer apps like Zearn and MobyMax. In Spanish class, the situation is even worse, the teacher routinely just hands the students the answers to the classwork and homework. My child is bringing home good grades, but they aren't actually learning or retaining anything because there is zero academic rigor or critical thinking required. I want to see the administration take immediate steps to crack down on behavior, support the teachers in managing their classrooms, and ensure that actual teaching replaces independent computer programs and handed-out answers. Our kids deserve a safe place to learn and a curriculum that actually challenges them.
Questionnaire Responses
How effectively does the school communicate important information (e.g., events, policies, updates) to parents?
How safe do you feel your child is at school, both physically and emotionally?
How satisfied are you with the overall quality of education your child is receiving at this school?
How well does the school provide a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students?
How satisfied are you with the extracurricular programs and activities offered at the school?
How welcoming is the school to parent involvement in school events, volunteering, and decision-making?
How well does the school support your child's social, emotional, and mental well-being?
Overall, how satisfied are you with your child's experience at this school?
What do you appreciate most about the school’s approach to supporting your child’s learning and development?
Honestly, it is very hard to find positive things to say about the academics right now. The school seems to rely way too much on computer apps and self-paced programs rather than actual, hands-on teaching, which isn't helping my child grow.
What improvements, if any, would you suggest to make the school experience better for students and parents?
First, the school desperately needs to get a handle on classroom behavior and safety. There are too many fights, and the classrooms are so loud and chaotic that teachers spend all their time trying to discipline kids instead of teaching. Second, the academics need a major push. Teachers need to actually teach the material instead of relying on apps like Zearn and MobyMax, or worse, giving out the answers to assignments just to get through the day.
Can you share an example of how the school has positively and/or negatively impacted your child’s academic or personal growth?
The chaotic environment has really set my child back. They come home frustrated because it's impossible to focus when teachers are constantly yelling for quiet. Academically, they are completely stagnant and unchallenged. For example, math has been reduced to just copying things off the board and getting thrown onto computer apps. In Spanish class, the teacher literally hands them the answers to the work and homework. My child is getting straight A's but isn't actually learning anything.
Details
- Reviewee
- Southside Elementary School
- School
- Southside Elementary School
- Country
- United States
- State / Region
- New York, Buffalo
- Reporting Period
- 2020-2026
- Submitted
- August 1, 2026
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